Trials of a new deep cleaning process for trains has proved a resounding success at Bombardier Transportation’s Central Rivers depot in the Midlands.
Bombardier has joined forces with cleaning chemical manufacturer Arrow Solutions to introduce a new product to its operations and has just completed the first deep clean of the entire fleet of CrossCountry Voyager trains.
This has involved almost 60 trains, made up of four and five carriages each, being subjected to a 20-hour exterior bodyside clean with Thickened Oxalwash, which removes iron and rust deposits that aren’t normally eliminated with daily cleaning solutions.
The change has reportedly resulted in significantly cleaner trains, helping improve the passenger experience and boost the CrossCountry brand in the process.
Train Presentation Manager at Bombardier Central Rivers, Colin Dunn explained: “[Thickened Oxalwash] not only gives the train a much cleaner finish, but has also brought hard to clean areas back to a much more acceptable appearance.
“This includes the door buttons, steps, sole bar and vestibule ends… these are notoriously difficult to clean, but this Arrow product offers the solution.”
Arrow Solutions, which has been supplying products to the rail sector for more than 25 years, first started discussions with Bombardier about an advanced exterior cleaner in 2013, following the successful introduction of Ecowash Autoshine in their wash plant.
The Leicestershire-based cleaning and maintenance specialist spent a significant amount of time with Bombardier in an effort to understand the challenges faced with developing an alternative deep clean solution and the impact it may have on the final ‘look’ of the fleet.
Arrow Solutions, which employs more than 200 people at its cutting-edge manufacturing site in Moira, is reportedly looking to double sales in the rail sector over the coming 12 months after securing work with both Train Operating Companies (TOCs) and OEMs.
